Each program is 15 to 25 hours per week, and has several variations to allow students to take the program best matching their needs. Group classes are offered for 3 or 5 hours per day, Monday through Friday. Classes are well balanced between grammar drills, simulation, correction, and conversation. Exercises for the grammar drill come from the Center's own textbook (available for purchase), and is supplemented by the teaching staff. To give students experience in real life situations, teachers will conduct role playing exercises focusing on: buying, selling, ordering, and giving directions. Classes are held both indoors and on the terrace.

Lectures & Seminars

Also offered are weekly Mexican song sessions and periodic cooking classes. Conversational exchanges with Mexican students learning English as a second language can also be requested.

Tutor Program

20 hours per week. This program is designed for those students who want maximum language learning and/ or have special vocabulary needs or special interests. The program consists of 3 hours of Spanish language study per day with a tutor one-on-one. This program can also be designed for two-on-one study to accommodate two students at the same language level, at additional cost.

Special Vocabulary Program

Special Vocabulary Program is available for students who want to develop fluency in special terms or phrases, or for individuals who may have a limited amount of time to study the language. The course entails 5 hours per day of Group combined with 1 hour per day Tutorial instruction. For those who need to study Special Vocabulary, the school requests a short list of terms, phrases, etc. that the student would like covered in class. In addition to intensive grammatical study, students learn the practical vocabulary that they need within their professions. Role-playing, specialized professional texts, and other pertinent exercises maximize the student's technical fluency. The course is designed for, but not exclusive to, professionals in the fields of business, diplomacy, law, medicine, religion, and social work. This course usually fills well in advance during the summer and in January, so early registration is suggested.

Children Programs

The school can accommodate children who are traveling with their parents. The school offers two alternatives:

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For children ages 0-5, daycare is provided within the homestay, including 3 meals daily. Host families with children around the same age can be requested.

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For children ages 6 and over, Spanish language classes are offered at the same cost and schedule as the parent.

Special Activities

ExcursionsWeekend excursions are available to nearby places of historical, archaeological or recreational interest. These trips will take place either on Saturday or Sunday and students must sign up beforehand in order to reserve a space. There is an additional cost for each of these excursions.

SportsA downtown gymnasium, as well as golf and tennis facilities are available in Cuernavaca for visitor use at additional cost.

Admissions & Academic Credit

Students age 16 years and older are welcomed regardless of educational background, occupation or nationality. Students under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. No previous knowledge of Spanish is required except where otherwise indicated.

Students desiring credit for their study programs should contact their home school or request the NRCSA Credit Fact Sheet. Generally, U.S. universities consider 15 hours of study to be equal to 1 semester credit.

"I enjoyed the entire experience but probably what I enjoyed most was meeting all of the wonderful people we met. All the teachers, fellow students, families, and just people we met on the street were the greatest."

Housewife, Twin Cities, WI

"I have a better understanding of the grammar and using of Spanish and my understanding of the Mexican people and culture has been enhanced."

University Student, Salinas, CA

"The school itself was excellent, but the opportunity to live with a family was the high point of the experience."

Business Person, Key West, FL

"I thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of living in a different culture and learning to understand it. The information provided by NRCSA was very detailed and helpful, services are very good."